we have met the enemy, and they are us

we have met the enemy, and they are us in Culture

We have met the enemy, and they are us definition

Evil or upsetting forces exist within, not without.

Note: This is a twist on Oliver Hazard Perry's words after a naval battle: “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.” The updated version was first used in the comic strip “Pogo,” by Walt Kelly, in the 1960s and referred to the turmoil caused by the Vietnam War.